Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.

Here are some ways that you can spend this day educating yourself and honouring the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities:

1.  Review the Diversity & Inclusion Resource Hub's large library
2.  Register to attend First Nations Technology Council's "Canadian History Through an Indigenous Lens" Sept 30, 10:00am (PDT) - 12:30pm (PDT), in partnership with HR Tech Group
3. In-person events around Greater Victoria
4.  Tune in on your local CBC Music frequency or at cbc.ca/listen for a dedication to entirely Indigenous music from 6am to midnight
5.  Watch CBC for programming throughout the day
6.  Purchase a book by an Indigenous writer to learn more about the history of residential schools
7.  Download Ditidaht Kids, an interactive video game with 12-levels designed to help kids, between ages three and six, to learn and play games involving Ditidaht traditions, Ditidaht traditional territory, and listen to songs emphasizing diiʔdiiʔtidq language
8. Wear orange and make sure your t-shirt is purchased from a reputable Indigenous organization/company
9. Look up which Traditional Territory you live on using https://native-land.ca/ (FYI There are 630 First Nations communities in Canada that are a part of diverse Nations)

Did we miss something? Let us know and we'll add it to the list!